Why has derby tide turned for Rodgers and Celtic?

Is the Old Firm pendulum perhaps swinging away from Celtic for the first time in either of Brendan Rodgers' two spells in charge?

The Northern Irishman has still only lost three of the 22 derbies he's presided over, a win percentage unsurpassed by any other manager in either club's history.

And Celtic are seemingly on course to win at least a double this season, with a treble well within their grasp.

But amid that, there are some sobering stats from their recent encounters with Rangers which the Celtic manager admits are giving him pause for thought.

For the third consecutive derby, they've conceded three goals.

They've lost back to back Old Firm games in the same season for the first time in more than four years. That's the same length of time since their previous home defeat in the fixture.

The gap at the top of the table is still a healthy 13 points with eight games left, but the difference between the sides in their meetings appears to be narrowing.

And Rodgers admits he now has "a wee bit of thinking to do" as he seeks "more personality" from his players in the big games against Rangers.

'There's wee bit of thinking to be done'

The champions were unable to cope with the injury-enforced absences of captain Callum McGregor and centre-back Auston Trusty as - like at Ibrox in January -Rangers again hassled and harried them into a plethora of mistakes.

In fact, Barry Ferguson's side could have scored more than the three they managed in what turned into a classic, five-goal epic.

"I think we need to show more personality to take the ball," Rodgers told BBC Scotland.

"We made too many mistakes with it, we weren't fluid enough moving it, and we allowed ourselves to be pressed. We didn't play with that speed and quality.

"The performance level is something we need to look at. I don't think we've been as good as I'd like us to be in these games of late.

"We get through and win the League Cup final, which was great, but again the performance wasn't at our highest level. At Ibrox, we were well beaten and we lose today, so there's a wee bit of thinking to be done."

There will be no panic, of course. Celtic are well on their way to what would be a 13th Premiership title in 14 seasons and potentially a sixth treble in nine years.

With such standards having been set, Rodgers is demanding more from his team in the derbies in particular, with one remaining at Ibrox this season.

"It doesn't matter if you're one point ahead or 16 points ahead, you have to play with personality and we haven't done that," the Celtic manager added. "We need to be better than we were today."

That opinion was shared by two former Celtic heroes who know what it's like to win - and lose - big derby games.

Former striker Chris Sutton rued the absence of McGregor and the "careless" way Celtic conceded, but said the consecutive derby defeats spoke more about Rangers that it did his old side.

"Rangers have beaten Celtic twice this season, but they are not going to win the league," he said. "They play well when the pressure isn't on.

"In many ways they'll be kicking themselves, because they can produce performances like today but they're miles away."

Former team-mate Neil Lennon agreed, praising Rangers for showing "bundles of character" but noted Celtic "weren't functioning as well as they could have done".

Given Rodgers' win rate in the derby is still a healthy 73%, no one across the city will be getting too carried away.

Firstly, because Celtic are still going to win the league. Secondly because they still have to welcome them to Ibrox after the split.

But the fact Ferguson and his side will be relishing the prospect of a third consecutive win in the fixture is significant in itself. They have given Celtic, and their manager, something to think about.

That challenge is good for the league and ultimately – if it resharpens their focus – good for Celtic too.

Topics

Why has derby tide turned for Rodgers and Celtic?

After consecutive derby defeats, Brendan Rodgers admits he has " a wee bit of thinking to do" about Celtic's performances against Rangers.
BBC News - 17h
Derby disappointment for Celtic

Scottish PremiershipSunday, March 16, 2025Celtic Park, Glasgow CELTIC…2(Maeda 48, Hatate 73) RANGERS…3(Raskin 3, Diomande 37, Igamane 88) It proved to be a day of derby disappointment for Celtic a...
Yahoo Sports - 22h
Old Firm victory 'means everything' to Celtic despite points advantage

Brendan Rodgers says the points gulf between his Celtic side and Rangers is irrelevant before Sunday's Old Firm derby. Celtic lead the Scottish Premiership by 16 points from their Glasgow rivals, ...
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Celtics star Jaylen Brown on why he has no desire to rest ahead of the NBA playoffs

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown has no interest in resting before the coming NBA playoffs despite lingering injury concerns.
Yahoo Sports - 3d
McGregor eyeing derby redemption

Callum McGregor says Celtic are determined to avoid a repeat of the previous Glasgow derby when Rangers travel to Parkhead on Sunday. The champions suffered a 3-0 new year loss at Ibrox to ...
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Aaron Rodgers has Steelers right where he wants them

Aaron Rodgers is doing Aaron Rodgers things.
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Celtic starting XI for Glasgow derby at Paradise

Celtic are in Premiership action today (Sunday) as they play host to Rangers, looking to go 19 points clear of their city rivals at the top of the Premiership table. And there are two changes to ...
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Key questions as Celtic host Rangers with title in sight

BBC Scotland commentator Liam McLeod looks at the sub-plots as Celtic welcome Rangers in the fourth derby of the season.
BBC News - 1d
Rangers seal remarkable derby win at Celtic with last gasp stunner

Celtic battled back from 2-0 down at home to Rangers, only for a last-gasp screamer from Hamza Igamane to snatch a 3-2 victory. Scorers: Raskin 4', Diomande 37', Igmane 88'; Maeda 49', Hatate ...
Yahoo Sports - 21h
Why the Vikings could reportedly determine Aaron Rodgers' future

The Vikings will reportedly play a huge role in Aaron Rodgers' future.
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Aaron Rodgers has 'standing offers' from Giants, Steelers: report

As the Aaron Rodgers offseason saga drags on, the veteran quarterback has contract offers from at least two teams -- the Giants and Steelers.
Yahoo Sports - 20h
Report: Aaron Rodgers has 'standing offer' from New York Giants

Free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers reportedly has a "standing offer" from both the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Yahoo Sports - 1h
Fatigue no excuse for Rangers at Celtic Park - Ferguson

Fatigue will not be an issue for Rangers in Sunday's derby with Celtic despite their extra-time exploits against Fenerbahce, insists interim head coach Barry Ferguson.
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Celtic vs Rangers: Kick-Off Time, How to Watch and Key Team Updates

Celtic vs Rangers: Where to Watch, Team News and Match PreviewOld Firm Derby Returns to Celtic ParkCeltic and Rangers meet once again in what promises to be another fiercely contested Old Firm ...
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Rodgers sees 'no great change' in Ferguson's Rangers

Brendan Rodgers sees "a lot of the same traits" in Rangers under Barry Ferguson with his side "hungry" to put right the city bragging rights after Celtic's 3-0 January defeat to the side then led ...
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Igamane’s late strike earns Rangers derby win at Celtic in Old Firm thriller

Hamza Igamane drove in a glorious late winner as Rangers beat Celtic 3-2 in a thrilling Old Firm match at Parkhead.. Nico Raskin headed the visitors in front from a corner in the fourth minute ...
The Guardian - 21h
Rodgers emerges as Steelers option, sources say

Aaron Rodgers has emerged as a QB option for the Steelers, league sources told ESPN.
ESPN - 6d
Why Dan and Andrea Hurley turned down the Los Angeles Lakers

UConn men's basketball coach Dan Hurley and his wife Andrea said there were many reasons why they declined an offer to coach the NBA team.
CBS News - Mar. 9
Seth Rogen Says Treating His Stoner Lifestyle Brand, Houseplant, Like His Film and TV Projects Has Helped It Grow. Here’s Why

Speaking at Inc.’s Founders House at SXSW, the movie star-turned-businessman discussed his experience wading into the legal complexities of the weed industry.
Inc. - 6d
Thunder clinch playoff spot by passing Celtics test

The Thunder clinched a playoff berth against a defending-champion Celtics team that has achieved what Oklahoma City hopes to accomplish.
ESPN - 4d
In Romania, the far right has unleashed a tide of hate and resurrected our fascist ghosts | Andrei Popoviciu

Economic uncertainty and polarisation are a potent cocktail that extremist politicians such as Cǎlin Georgescu thrive on. In a forest outside Bucharest, a woman cradled her infant in one arm while ...
The Guardian - 6d
Thunder vs. Celtics takeaways: Why OKC forced Boston into historic 3-point barrage in possible Finals preview

The Celtics attempted 63 3-pointers, and it was all by design as the Thunder pulled out an enormous road win
CBS Sports - 4d
Why officials took points away from Alabama basketball to change halftime score vs Kentucky

Alabama basketball faithful watching from home might be curious why the scoreboard changed for the Crimson Tide before halftime against Kentucky.
Yahoo Sports - 2d
Your Matchday Guide: Celtic v Rangers

Paradise plays host to the Glasgow derby this weekend, as the Bhoys get ready to take on Rangers tomorrow (Sunday, March 16, KO: 12:30pm) and look to secure another crucial three points in the ...
Yahoo Sports - 1d
How is it for veteran Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday playing with an injured finger?

The UCLA alum has been taking the court for the Celtics with a rare injury that is called 'mallet finger.'
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Why the EU’s plan for Ukraine is to turn it into a porcupine

Also in this newsletter: Hungary takes it to the wire, again
Financial Times - 3d
Why Stories, Not Metrics, Turn Investors Into Advocates

From pitch meeting to board meeting, a strong story is an entrepreneur’s secret weapon.
Inc. - 1d
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla talks growth of rookie Baylor Scheierman

Baylor Scheierman has played sparingly this season with the Celtics but coach Joe Mazzulla has been impressed with him in a limited sample size.
Yahoo Sports - 20h
Aaron Rodgers may leave Steelers QB-less to sign with Vikings, per insider

Insider Dianna Russini has reported that QB Aaron Rodgers prefers to sign with the Minnesota Vikings, which is great news for upset Steelers fans.
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Celtic's 'physical beast' Maeda makes mark yet again in Scottish Cup win

Celtic forward Daizen Maeda has been described as a "machine" and a "physical beast" and is having the season of his career.
BBC News - Mar. 9
Rage Against Elon Musk Turns Tesla Into a Target

The backlash against the electric vehicle company has turned violent at times, as its billionaire chief executive parlays his support for President Trump into consequential influence over the ...
The New York Times - Mar. 9
The Dundee derby in numbers

Six places and 13 points separate Dundee United and Dundee in the Scottish Premiership going into a key derby at Tannadice.
Yahoo Sports - 1d
Celtic Face Decision on Daizen Maeda as European Clubs Show Interest

Daizen Maeda’s Future at Celtic Uncertain as European Clubs CircleCeltic’s impressive domestic and European campaign has seen Daizen Maeda emerge as one of their most influential players, but his ...
Yahoo Sports - 3d
Why U.S. Conservatives Should Fall in Love With France

Turns out Charles de Gaulle was right.
The New York Times - Mar. 8
Thunder top Celtics in potential NBA Finals preview; Aaron Rodgers leaving Steelers out to dry?

OKC's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 34 points, and the bench outscored Boston's 34-20
CBS Sports - 3d
Why this MVP race is actually fun and a Celtics-Cavaliers classic seems inevitable

Nobody can deny we are witnessing one of the great MVP races in modern history.
Yahoo Sports - 5d
Giants could turn to Russell Wilson at QB with Aaron Rodgers possibly headed elsewhere

The Giants are in need of serious quarterback help this offseason.
Yahoo Sports - 6d
‘A new phase’: why climate activists are turning to sabotage instead of protest

Tougher laws said to be inspiring clandestine attacks on the ‘property and machinery’ of the fossil fuel economy. It was raining and the sparkling lights of the City of London shone back from the ...
The Guardian - Mar. 8
Why the UK Has Not Retaliated Against Trump’s Tariffs

Prime Minister Keir Starmer wants to stay close to the United States, even as the uncertainty unleashed by President Trump offers a chance to build ties with the European Union.
The New York Times - 4d

More from Yahoo Sports

Newcastle celebrations are not over the top – this is why it means so much

If you do not understand what winning the Carabao Cup final means to Newcastle United, if you cannot appreciate what this moment has unleashed in a football obsessed city, maybe this is not the ...
Yahoo Sports - 17m
What is The Players Championship playoff format?

Here's the playoff format for Rory McIlroy and J.J. Spaun at The Players Championship.
Yahoo Sports - 18m
WSU women's hoops earns WNIT invite

Mar. 17—It's March, and the Cougars are not quite done playing basketball just yet. For the fifth straight year, the Washington State women's basketball team earned a postseason berth. WSU will ...
Yahoo Sports - 18m
Jaguars land potential No. 1 pick in NFL mock draft after early run on QBs

An early run on quarterbacks in a recent mock draft from PFF helped the Jaguars land a potential No. 1 overall pick.
Yahoo Sports - 19m
Is NCAA Tournament expansion a ‘slam dunk’? Where talks stand as March Madness begins

NEW YORK — All that stands in the way of expanding the NCAA men’s basketball tournament appears to be money. College sports leaders have been discussing with increasing diligence the possibility of ...
Yahoo Sports - 22m